Liberation War Affairs Ministry Secretary KH Masud Siddiqui was removed from his office yesterday, allegedly for his involvement in the introduction of fake freedom fighter certificates.
According to a notice issued by the Public Administration Ministry yesterday, Environment and Forest Ministry’s Additional Secretary MA Hannan replaced him as the acting secretary of the ministry. Masud has been made an officer on special duty (OSD).
Liberation War Affairs Ministry sources said the move was made because of Masud’s involvement in the gold crest scam and also for introducing fake freedom fighter certificates in order to extend his service period. The ministry has already started the procedure of cancelling his certificates, the sources added.
The ministry has already cancelled around 150 fake freedom fighter certificates after confirming the forgery through an investigation by national security intelligence, local district administration and from the complaints of actual freedom fighters.
According to the ministry officials, public servants holding the fake certificates may have to face departmental and criminal proceedings.